Author Topic: Questions About The Ruger Old Army (Read 1129 times)

VTDW · « **on:** January 09, 2005, 01:50:43 PM »

I have wanted a revolver to carry with my 444S when hog hunting and I just picked up a well worn (mostly by holster) but tight Ruger Old Army .44 at a great price and have a few questions.

The serial # indicates that the gun was sold in 1974. The bore measures .451. What round balls and/or projectiles/powder should I purchase?

I would like to purchase one of the drop in cylinders to also shoot regular cartridges. If I purchase or locate one of the drop ins does that mean that the gun will then shoot .45 cal? If so, what cartridge do you recommend? What do I need to look out for?

Thanks folks,

Dave

Led · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2005, 03:39:08 AM »

Congrat's on the Old Army purchase!!

You want to use .457 ball's in your OA. They advertise it as being .44 cal.....but it is actually a .45 caliber.

Powder is your choice....but I have taken to using H777. A nice clean....and powerful powder that seem's made just for the OA.

I have an R&D conversion cylinder for mine. Yes....it is to be used with the .45 Colt round......"COWBOY" LOAD"S ONLY!!! No "souped up" stuff that can be used in the Blackhawk's!!

One thing you will find with the conversion cylinder is that the front sight is WAY too short for "point of aim" shooting......at least it is for me.

Enjoy your "new" gun!!

VTDW · « **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2005, 04:22:37 AM »

Thanks Led.

Dave

howdy doody · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2005, 05:08:46 AM »

Yup, if you shoot balls, use 457 dia. They shave a nice ring when rammed into chambers. That shows a good seal. You can add some lube to the top of the ball after loading too if needed.
I have a pair of 5 1/2" stainless ROAs that I installed Kirst Converters in. I load my own ammo and shoot BP in al my cartridges. I use a 454 dia bullet. I currently shoot a special one that I cast myself called a PRS. It has a huge lube capacity.
I am getting quite a collection going of ROAs. I have 6 of them now. I just got a new pair of blue 7 1/2s with fixed sights.
Yup, they are heavy, especially when loaded, but that heft seems to tame recoil very well. I can shoot them all day one handed with stiff loads and not feel strained or tired. What I am trying to say I love them :wink:
Good luck with yours.